Influential St Helenian Individuals: The Top 10 Names to Know

The island of Saint Helena, in the South Atlantic Ocean, has a rich history and culture, and has produced a number of notable people of Saint Helenian ethnicity. Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable people from Saint Helena:

• Thomas Moore (1779-1852): Poet, songwriter, and author, best known for the Irish ballad The Minstrel Boy and the poem Lalla Rookh.
• John Small (1766-1819): Botanist and entomologist, who collected over 20,000 plant specimens and described over 2,000 new species.
• John Mills (1908-2005): Actor, who appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including Great Expectations (1946), Ice Cold in Alex (1958), and Ryan’s Daughter (1970).
• Hattie Jacques (1921-1980): Actress and comedian, who appeared in over 50 films and television shows, including the Carry On series and Doctor in the House (1954).
• Mark Thatcher (born 1953): Businessman and adventurer, son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He is famous for disappearing in the Sahara Desert during a car rally in 1982.
• James Gillray (1756-1815): Cartoonist and caricaturist, who produced over 1,000 satirical prints, many of which were highly critical of the British government and society.
• Matthew Flinders (1774-1814): Explorer and navigator, who circumnavigated Australia in 1803 and was the first person to chart the coastline of the continent.
• William Dampier (1651-1715): Explorer, pirate, and author, who made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean and wrote several books about his experiences.
• Sophia Duleep Singh (1876-1948): Suffragette and campaigner for Indian independence, daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire.
• Sir Jacob Hansen (1864-1944): Medical doctor and public health official, who served as Chief Medical Officer of Fiji and was responsible for introducing a number of public health reforms.

St Helenian Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The St Helenian community is a unique group of individuals who are proud of their rich heritage and historical inheritances. Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the island of St Helena has a population of around 4,500 people. Despite its small size, St Helena has a fascinating history that has shaped the community and left a lasting legacy.

1. Napoleon Bonaparte

One of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the St Helenian heritage is the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte. After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon was sent into exile on St Helena. He lived on the island for the last six years of his life until his death in 1821. Today, the remains of Napoleon’s residence, known as Longwood House, have been preserved as a museum and attract visitors from all over the world.

2. The Boer Prisoners of War

During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), St Helena became a place of internment for Boer prisoners captured by the British. Approximately 5,000 Boer prisoners were sent to the island, where they were held in camps. Many of these prisoners left a mark on the island by constructing buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Today, their legacy can still be seen in the remnants of their camps and the influence they had on the local culture.

3. The East India Company

The East India Company played a significant role in the history of St Helena. The island was used as a supply station for ships traveling between Europe and Asia, and the East India Company established a fort, warehouses, and a garrison on the island. The British influence brought by the East India Company can be seen in the architecture and infrastructure of the island today.

The St Helenian community takes great pride in these historical inheritances and works diligently to preserve them for future generations. The unique blend of French, Dutch, and British influences can be seen in the architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions of the island. St Helena is a place where history comes alive, and visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating stories of the past.

Three notable historical inheritances associated with the St Helenian heritage:

• The exile of Napoleon Bonaparte
• The internment of Boer prisoners of war
• The influence of the East India Company

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Falkland Islander, Keffricho and Silte roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About St Helenian People

Ethnicity	Percentage
African	50%
White/British	25%
Chinese	1%
Indian	0.5%
Other	23.5%

St Helenian Ethnicity: References and Resources

References and resources to dig deeper about the St Helenian ethnic group include the following:

• St Helena Island Info: This website provides a wealth of information about the island of St Helena, including its history, culture, and people. It offers articles, photographs, and personal accounts that delve into various aspects of St Helenian life.
• St Helena Government: The official website of the St Helena Government provides information about the island’s history, culture, and community. It offers resources, reports, and publications that shed light on different aspects of the St Helenian ethnic group.
• Books and Publications: There are several books and publications dedicated to exploring the history and culture of St Helena. Some recommended titles include “Island Madness: A Memoir of St Helena” by Tim Binding, “St Helena: A Physical, Historical and Topographical Description of the Island” by E. L. Jackson, and “St Helena: Ascension: An Illustrated Travelogue” by Willie Hamilton.
• St Helenian Community Groups: There are various online communities and social media groups dedicated to connecting St Helenians around the world. These groups often share stories, photos, and personal experiences related to St Helenian heritage.
• South Atlantic Media Services (SAMS): SAMS is a media organization based in St Helenian that produces news and content about the island and its people. Their website and social media platforms provide a valuable resource for staying up to date with current affairs and events on St Helena.

By exploring these references and resources, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the St Helenian ethnic group, its history, traditions, and the unique cultural aspects that define it. Whether through personal accounts, academic research, or community engagement, learning more about the St Helenian people can help foster a greater appreciation for their contributions and heritage.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.